Graduation day is supposed to be a time of celebration, but for one Georgia family, it became a bittersweet memory. Sienna Stewart, just 18 years old, collapsed during her high school graduation ceremony in May. Less than a month later, she tragically passed away, leaving her community in shock and mourning.
Sienna’s journey had never been easy. Diagnosed with severe cardiomyopathy at just four years old, she received a heart transplant that gave her a decade of relative normalcy. But earlier this year, her health began to decline.
Her mom, Saevon Chum, shared that Sienna had been collapsing frequently in recent months. On May 23, during her graduation at Hiram High School, Sienna suffered another episode.
A video from the ceremony captures the school principal pausing the event, asking the crowd for patience. “Just give us a second, please. We have a student…” he said, as medics rushed to help Sienna.
By the time her mom arrived, paramedics were already on the scene. Saevon recalled the moment vividly. “She had collapsed. But this time, she was unconscious,” she said.
Amazingly, Sienna woke up minutes later and insisted on staying to graduate. Despite her frailty, she was determined to walk across the stage. “All she could tell me was, ‘I just want to graduate, I want to walk.’ That’s all she wanted because she already missed her prom,” Saevon explained.
That proud, emotional moment would be one of Sienna’s last. On June 12, just weeks after achieving her goal, Sienna passed away.
“As a mom, you feel so proud because she just fought through something that hurts her. You have to be proud. Till the end, I was proud,” Saevon said, her voice filled with love and loss.
Sienna had big dreams. According to her obituary, she was set to start college in the fall, planning to study sonogram technology.
Her story is a poignant reminder of resilience and the fragility of life. Sienna’s community continues to honor her memory, inspired by her strength and determination.
Rest in peace, Sienna Stewart.
Conclusion:
Share Sienna’s story with your friends and family—it’s a powerful tribute to her courage and a reminder to treasure life’s moments, no matter how small.
